Paul Hanson has been helping ideas take shape for nearly four decades—from early software startups to social service nonprofits. A retired business and technology executive with experience spanning companies like Cargill, Northwest Airlines, and Bluestem Brands, Paul’s passion for problem-solving and mentorship has been a throughline of his career. Since 2019, he’s brought that same dedication to MESA as a trusted mentor and advisor to Minnesota’s next generation of founders.
Tell us a little about your background, Paul.
I’m a native Minnesotan—born and raised in a small southern Minnesota town. That small-town environment shaped my work ethic early on. I worked through high school and college at a small manufacturing business alongside an entrepreneur with an incredible startup spirit. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that experience taught me the importance of taking someone’s ideas and making them real—that’s something I’ve carried through my 40-year career.
Professionally, I’ve had a mix of large-company and startup experiences. I’ve worked for organizations like Cargill and Northwest Airlines, helped grow Bluestem Brands during its fast-growth phase, and co-founded or advised multiple software ventures. My last six years before retirement were with Opportunity Partners, a Minnetonka-based nonprofit that supports nearly 2,000 Minnesotans with disabilities each year. It was a wonderful way to apply my skills in technology and operations to make a difference in people’s lives.
How long have you been a MESA Mentor, and why did you decide to join the MESA program?
I joined MESA in 2019 after being introduced to the organization by Kevin Spanbauer, whom I’ve known for many years. At that point, I was at a stage in my career where I really wanted to give back in a meaningful way.
Two things about MESA really resonated with me: the pro bono nature of the mentoring and the confidentiality it provides founders. Earlier in my career, I had a mentor through one of my venture-backed startups—a former VP of Engineering at HP. Having that kind of candid, confidential guidance made a huge difference for me. It’s incredibly valuable to be able to talk openly about your challenges with someone who’s been there. MESA gives me the chance to do that for others.
Are there any highlights from your experience working with MESA Mentees?
Each engagement has been rewarding in different ways. One standout was my work with Northteq, where the founder was wearing every hat—CFO, salesperson, product builder—and trying to balance that with a young family. My co-mentor, Dan Kinsella, and I helped him think through time allocation and personal balance. Eventually, he was able to restructure his role and move toward an acquisition that allowed him to stay involved while regaining more balance in his life. Seeing that kind of growth—professionally and personally—is incredibly fulfilling.
I’ve also really enjoyed collaborating with other MESA Mentors, like Dan, Joe Blauert, and Steve VanTassel. Each has a unique background and perspective. Working side-by-side with people who share a passion for helping founders is one of the best parts of being involved.
What keeps you involved, Paul? What do you get out of being a MESA Mentor?
A big part of what keeps me involved is the sense of community and momentum within MESA. The communication and visibility have really ramped up over the past few years, and it’s great to see more partners and resources being added to support founders.
Personally, I continue to learn from both the mentors and mentees I work with. Every engagement gives me a new perspective—whether it’s from another mentor’s different background or from seeing a founder navigate the same challenges I faced earlier in my career. It’s rewarding to be that confidential sounding board for someone and to reassure them that it’s possible to find their footing and thrive.
Beyond MESA, you’ve been involved in other philanthropic and mentoring efforts. Can you share a bit about those?
Mentoring has been a consistent part of my life. In addition to MESA, I also mentored startups in the Minnesota Cup, which was a great experience—especially watching student-led teams bring fresh, innovative ideas to life.
My wife, Diane, and I are also deeply committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs through education. We established the Paul & Diane Hanson Entrepreneurship Scholarship at Minnesota State University, Mankato, our alma mater. The scholarship supports juniors and seniors pursuing an Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor—students eager to build something new and make an impact. It’s been amazing to meet recipients and see where their paths lead while we’re still around to enjoy it.
What would you say to others about MESA?
I always tell people that MESA is one of the best-kept secrets in town. It’s an incredible network of senior leaders who volunteer their time to help founders grow—not for recognition or financial gain, but because MESA Mentors genuinely care about the success of Minnesota’s startup ecosystem. If you’ve benefited from mentorship in your career, MESA is one of the most fulfilling ways to pay it forward.
